Sunday, July 29, 2012

Spotlight on Spirit of the Stone

I have always found repurposing fascinating but this is something I find BEYOND impressive! Carving into rock is a skill that takes an incredibly steady hand and a sharp eye. I met Katie in a BNR and got to talking with her. She has two wonderful shops but today I am spotlighting Spirit of the Stone.

I asked Katie to share a little bit about herself, her work and any advice she would like to give fellow creators. Her response was inspiring!

I am a wife and a mother first, but second to my family is my love for art. I love to create. Whenever I see something unique or beautiful, the first thing that crosses my mind is ~What could I do with this and how can I turn it into an amazing piece of art?~ I also love crafting, taking things that stand out to me, putting them together and making something new. I chose to dedicate this shop to rune stones because I am fascinated with natural healing and the energies that are imbedded in everything around us.

I have been making artwork and crafts for many years but the reason I started a business on etsy, was due to a stranger who showed up at a garage sale I had last year. He was an artist too and we got to talking about art. I showed him a painting I had made of a tiger and he encouraged me to get prints made and put them on etsy. I never did get those prints made but I took one look at etsy and knew it was for me. This shop is the second one I have opened. I also have Katies Creative Corner ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/katiescreativecorner) where my other arts and crafts can be found.

I find inspiration in everything around me, from a piece of fabric at the store to an interesting comment in a conversation. It can come from anything and I find that it comes from everything if you are open to the possibilities.

My favorite items from this etsy shop are my party favors. They are so cute and though the pictures are good, they just don't capture their true essence. Much cuter in person! My favorite piece I have ever made is not a piece that I have put on etsy but it is one of two tiger paintings I have done.

My advice to other etsy hopefuls is, make sure to do it because you love it. Don't give up if you are having a slow start. The sales will come. Make sure that you get as involved as you can in teams and if you want to enhance your chance of getting your first sale participate in a BNR or BNS. Oh, and ask questions, most people are more than willing to help. We were all new to etsy at one time.

This is my personal favorite from Spirit of the Stone!

I hope you enjoyed reading this inspiring interview as much as I did and please stop by Katies shop and see her beautiful pieces for yourself!

I came by to visit for Katie B. I'm not a mom unless you count my son, an adorable soft coated wheaten terrier (if you've never seen one, google it, they're the cutest), and a host of illnesses. But something that Katie said really rang true with me...

' I find inspiration in everything around me, from a piece of fabric at the store to an interesting comment in a conversation. It can come from anything and I find that it comes from everything if you are open to the possibilities. '